Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 April 2025
253. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will seek the removal of coarse fishing from the permit for anglers on the River Suck, given coarse fishing is free everywhere else, and the impact it is having on tourism and competitions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19074/25]
View answerThe requirement to hold a permit for coarse fishing applies in several coarse fishing locations across Ireland, including the Lee Reservoirs in Co. Cork, which is one of the most popular competition venues in Ireland attracting World Championships and local events on a regular basis. Moreover, the Assaroe Lake in Co. Donegal, the Blessington Lakes in Wicklow/Dublin and both the River Inny and Brosna catchments are other important systems for coarse and pike fishing and each of these also require a permit to fish.
The Midland Fisheries Permit area includes the tributary catchments of the River Shannon (the River Suck, River Inny and River Brosna, including all natural waterbodies in those catchments) but does not include the main channel of the River Shannon and the loughs that form part of the main channel (Loughs Ree, Derg, Forbes, Bofin, Boderg, Allen etc.) All the fisheries included in the Midland Fisheries Permit area are owned by the ESB and leased to Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), as the statutory authority for the protection, management and conservation of Ireland’s inland fisheries resource.
The permit covers all angling in these areas and generates income which facilitates an annual fund of €50,000. This Midland Fisheries Fund is a mechanism through which angling clubs and organisations can access funding for sustainable development works in the Midland Fisheries Group permit area and the River Suck has been allocated a significant amount of this funding over the last number of years.
IFI, through its Sponsorship Scheme, has also assisted in a number of angling competitions in the area, such as match events in the Donamon area at Ballinpark and Emlaryan, and IFI staff also assist with access-for-all events at the angling facility in Ballinpark.
A Midland Fisheries Permit will continue to be required for all angling in this area.
